According to The Star, Australia's borders will reopen to visitors on February 21, according to Prime Minister Scott Morrison, lifting arguably of the world's tightest and longest-running pandemic travel restrictions.
After a meeting of the national security cabinet, Morrison said, "It's been over two years since we made the decision to close the borders to Australia."
There are many famous attractions in Australia. (Photo / Retrieved from Pixabay)
"On the 21st of February this year," he said, the borders will reopen to all visa holders, adding, "if you're fully vaccinated, we look forward to welcoming you back to Australia."
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In March 2020, Australia's borders were slammed shut in the hopes of safeguarding the island nation from a looming worldwide epidemic.
Since then, Australians have been barred from leaving for the most part, and only a few visitors have been granted entry exemptions.
The rules have stranded Australians abroad, shattered families, harmed Australia's multibillion-dollar tourism industry, and sparked often bitter debates about the country's status as a modern, open, and outward-looking nation.
According to the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, each month of border closures costs businesses an estimated US$2.6 billion. For Australians, long-term residents, and students, conditions have been gradually reduced in recent months.
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Given the low number of backpackers and working holidaymakers visiting Australia, many tourism businesses are experiencing staff shortages.
Travel within Australia will remain restricted despite the announcement.
The huge state of Western Australia is still off-limits to most visitors. Traveling from Sydney to Paris is currently more convenient than traveling from Sydney to Perth.
